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Del Piero could be off to Hungary or India

Angela Habashy

Former Sydney FC marquee man Alessandro Del Piero appears close to securing his playing future, with clubs in both Hungary and India in negotiations with the Italian legend.

The 39-year-old, who left the Sky Blues at the end of last season, declared his desire to play on when in Sydney for the A-League All Stars clash against his former club Juventus this month.

Del Piero could be making a move to Budapest side Honved FC, who have confirmed they are trying to entice the World Cup winner to their club and would be willing to offer him the No.10 jersey once belonging to Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas.

"It's true, for the last 15-20 days we have been talking to Stefano, who is Alessandro's brother and agent," Honved director of sport Fabio Cordella told GianlucaDiMarzio.com on Sunday.

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"Our club is not economically up to the standard of these names, but the technical sponsor immediately accepted our idea and is ready to give us a big hand.

"It would be wonderful to bring him to Budapest. Until an hour ago everyone thought it was a made-up story. Instead we really are trying for Del Piero.

"The Hungarian population deserves him, because real football has been missing here for a few years.

"That shirt was retired many years ago, but President (George) Hemingway would gladly bring it back for Del Piero and the Puskas family would also be honoured."

Meanwhile, Sky Sports reports Del Piero is poised to be the latest marquee addition for the inaugural Indian Super League and is expected to be confirmed as a player for the Delhi Dynamos franchise in the coming days.

The eight-team Indian Super League, which runs from October until December, has already attracted veteran stars the likes of David Trezeguet, Robert Pires and Freddie Ljunberg.